I go to the ancient imperial examinations

Chapter 230
Liu family, study room.

Liu Heyu washed off the dust all over his body, and now he sat on the armchair, looking a little tired.

Originally, the funeral was hard work and there were too many trivial matters. Although the Liu family had many children, there were hundreds of relatives, friends and business partners who came and went.

As for the old Patriarch Liu’s self-cultivation and self-cultivation in recent years, he has also been called a patriarch, so Liu Heyu did all these things. After nine days of busy work, the funeral was held this morning, and the coffin was buried behind the Liu family’s ancestral grave. Liu Heyu finally I can breathe a sigh of relief.

"Miss, Shencha." The close maid handed Shencha over, and then said in a low voice: "Shopkeeper Tong has something important to report, and he has been waiting outside the study for a long time."

The ginseng tea is boiled with red dates and goji berries. The faint sweetness makes people relax unconsciously. Liu Heyu put down the teacup, "Let shopkeeper Tong come in."

Shopkeeper Tong is about forty years old, with shrewd and smooth eyes.

Even though Liu Heyu is a married woman, shopkeeper Tong's attitude is still respectful. Once the emperor and courtiers, the Liu family is now managed by the eldest lady, and those shopkeepers who look down on women will be emptied of their rights Be an idler.

"Miss, something happened." Shopkeeper Tong said the matter quickly, "Right now, Hong De of Jin Yuzhai is still asking about Master Sun's whereabouts."

They are all doing business in Huai'an Mansion, the shopkeeper Tong is clear, the fat shopkeeper has a little relationship with Mr. Sun's wife, and Mr. Sun takes care of anything that happens in Jinyuzhai on weekdays.

Of course, the fat shopkeeper is also a good person, and every year he will give it to those who deserve filial piety. Whether it is Mr. Sun's colleagues or those who are short-handed, it is natural to take care of Jin Yuzhai's business.

"Salt merchant Jin's family?" Liu Heyu remembered, and tapped the table with one hand, "I remember that Jin's family wanted to cooperate with us in the first half of the year."

"Yes, I heard that the imperial court has a new method of making salt, which can reduce the price of salt by [-]%. These salt merchants are anxious, and several think it is nonsense. The owner of the Jin family is a man who knows how to make money." Shopkeeper Tong I remember that the person who came to the Jin family at that time was the second master Jin, the younger brother of the head of the Jin family, but they didn't agree with each other.

As one of the four major salt merchants, the Jin family is extremely rich and has some connections with the officials of the imperial court. Unfortunately, this relationship is maintained by silver. Once the price of salt drops, the Jin family will not be able to sell salt. , the relationship is broken.

The Jin family wanted to cooperate with the Liu family, saying that there was a way to make the Liu family's wine, tea, and fabrics become tributes. Unfortunately, the imperial merchant Liu's family did not lack money or connections.

As for the tribute, it's not that the Liu family has no connections, it's just that the tree is big enough to attract the wind. There's no need to end up killing them just to make things better.

"Patriarch Jin is an old fox, what a pity his sons and daughters." In Liu Heyu's mind, Zhan Feiyu appeared. Although the little girl was wearing plain clothes, she was a brocade that even money could not buy.

In addition, Zhan Feiyu's appearance is matched with her bookish spirit, but anyone with a little brain knows that this little girl has a background, not to mention that it is on the second floor of Jin Yu Zhai, the Jin family dares to bully others, it seems that they don't know There is a sky beyond the sky, and there are people beyond people.

"The girl of the Jin family is only fourteen or fifteen years old. She grew up pampered, and it's normal to have a big temper. There is no way to compare with you, Miss." Shopkeeper Tong smiled and flattered a few words, and continued: "I I heard that the young master of the Jin family wants to learn from the prefect of Chu."

Liu Heyu thought for a moment, and thought of Zhan Feiyu who was still imprisoned in the government prison. It stands to reason that now that the Liu family has come forward to rescue him, Zhan Feiyu owes the Liu family a favor.

But when I think of Zhan Feiyu's tough and cold-blooded behavior, and the two guards beside her, a man and a woman, if she doesn't want to go to the prison, all the arresters in Huai'an Mansion will be unable to catch her. Purposeful.

"Treasurer Tong, you go and deal with it and let Mr. Sun stay in Liujia Town for a few days. As for the prefect of Chu, since Mrs. Wu took 500 taels of silver from the Jin family, the news will be completely concealed." Liu Heyu Smiling, he picked up the teacup and drank tea slowly,

She wanted to see if Zhan Feiyu would regret being mistaken for being smart after entering the prison in Huai'an Mansion.

Shopkeeper Tong couldn't figure out Liu Heyu's purpose, but he didn't dare to hesitate, "Yes, miss, I'll do it now."

Today is the day of the funeral, because there are too many people attending the funeral, the prefect of Chu personally brought the government officials and most of the arresting government servants to Liujia Town. After all, thousands of people gather together, and once there is a disturbance, it will be easy accident.

As for privately, it is not known whether the prefect of Chu contacted the Liu family through the relationship of maintaining law and order, or for other reasons.

He set off from Huai'an Mansion before dawn. After a busy morning, Mr. Sun will be exhausted. Fortunately, the funeral is over, and when these people leave Huai'an Mansion, they will be able to relax for a few days.

"My lord, the hot water is here." The boy outside the door whispered, he was smoked by candles, firecrackers and burning paper money all morning, everyone had a smoky smell.

With a creak, Master Sun opened the door, "Send it in."

The Liu family arranged a separate resting yard in the north of the town for the funeral relatives and friends, and the prefect Chu and others of the government office also temporarily rested here.

"My lord." A policeman walked over quickly, saluted the prefect of Chu, and then reported back; "Master Sun accidentally fell while washing, and the doctor said that his calf was broken."

"So serious?" Prefect Chu was surprised, got up and walked out the door, "You lead the way."

After a while, not only the doctor was there, Liu Hejin also came over, seeing the prefect of Chu approaching, he hurriedly greeted him, "Master Chu, it's all my Liu family's negligence, please forgive me, Lord Chu."

"You don't have to be like this, it's just an accident." Chu Zhifu said loudly, although Sun Da came to Liujia Town because of the funeral, the injury was indeed an accident.

In the bedroom, the doctor was prescribing a prescription, Mr. Sun was half leaning on the bed, and as soon as he saw Prefect Chu entering the door, he hurriedly wanted to get up, but was stopped by Prefect Chu.

"You don't need to be too polite, I'm worried you'll hurt your leg again." The prefect of Chu held Master Sun's shoulder to prevent him from getting up, and turned to look at the old doctor who was saluting, "Please stand up, old doctor. I wonder how Master Sun's leg is injured?"

Mr. Sun's fall was really unlucky, because the water slide on the ground not only broke his legs, but also strained the ligaments on the inner sides of his legs. It will hurt his muscles and bones for a hundred days. It is best for Mr. Sun to stay in bed to recuperate. Possibly aggravated.

"Please rest assured, Master Chu, and let Master Sun recuperate here. It just so happens that the doctor and the medicinal materials are also complete." Liu Hejin quickly answered the words. To befriend the officials.

"It's troublesome." The prefect of Chu nodded slightly in thanks, and then said to Mr. Sun: "You can also relax, and return to the city after the injury is recovered. If you have a letter, you can take it back with you and give it to your younger siblings."

"Thank you, my lord." Master Sun thanked him repeatedly, looking at his right leg, it was all he could do.

……

He Sheng used the money, and Ma Laotou simply bought all the things He Nuan wanted. In less than half an hour, the cell was furnished like an inn room.

"Matou, is it okay to be locked up like this? What if the elders of this girl's family come here?" Wang Er was stunned. The three walls in the cell were covered with light blue new steps. How much money would it cost?

The jailers not only shared the money given by the fat shopkeeper of Jinyuzhai, but each of them collected another ten taels, not to mention buying these things, they also made some money. In just half a day, each of them took more than 20 taels. The two silvers are almost equal to one year's salary.

Ma Laotou's face was also a little dignified, but Mrs. Wu personally confessed this matter, what can they do?You can only lock people up.

As for how to lock them up, that's their business. Even if they are obedient and obedient, Mrs. Wu can't come to the prison to check in person, as long as these people are not released.

"Okay, everyone should be smart after receiving the money, and give what you want, don't offend people." Old man Ma solemnly warned several jailers, gods fight, mortals suffer!They can only flatter at both ends.

In the cell, Zhan Feiyu smiled and looked at He Sheng and the coachman in the opposite cell, "This is to catch us all."

Originally, only Zhan Feiyu and He Nuan were imprisoned. After He Sheng sent money to visit the prison, he sent Zhan Feiyu the books and the Four Treasures of the Study, but he couldn't leave after that.

"Miss, please sit down." He Nuan made the bed and started tidying the cabinet again. Fortunately, the incense burner was dyed, and the faint sandalwood scent covered the unpleasant smell in the cell.

"Ah Nuan, you are so virtuous." Zhan Feiyu turned her head and smiled. Blue cloth was nailed to the moldy walls and the floor was swept clean. Although it was just a bamboo bed, it was covered with a quilt, so at least it could sleep get a good night's sleep.

There are tables and chairs beside the bed. After all, they are still in the cell. Books, paper and the four treasures of the study can only be placed on the table. Zhan Feiyu’s basin, cloth towels and clothes are all put in the wooden box. The wooden basin and cups can only be temporarily put on the lid of the box.

After the prison guard beat a few jailers and came over with the food box in person, he saw Zhan Feiyu sitting at the table and writing.

Because she was sitting on a round stool, she could see the girl's figure like a green pine at a glance, and the hand holding the pen shook slightly. Accompanied by the faint fragrance of ink, Ma Lao was stunned for a moment. He still didn't forget to read and write in the prison. How strict is the tutoring?

He Nuan walked to the cell door, took the food box, and warned in a cold voice: "Don't say what you shouldn't say, don't ask what you shouldn't ask!"

After finishing speaking, He Nuan stretched out her hand, holding a ten-liang silver ingot in her palm, and then under the shocked eyes of the head of the prison, He Nuan tightened her fingers, and she squeezed the small silver ingot into a silver ball.

Suddenly coming back to his senses, Ma Laotou suppressed the panic in his heart, and hurriedly said: "Remember, I will not talk too much!"

"Okay, I'll bring a pot of hot water over later when the food boxes are collected, and get a wooden bucket to fetch some cold water." He Nuan threw the crumpled money to the head of the prison.

He Nuan looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was writing a post, "Miss, do you want to eat while it's hot?"

"There are still two big characters." Zhan Feiyu continued to write like a snake, all the talk about studying abroad is not good at all, not only the exhaustion of the horses and horses tortures your body, but also delays time, but there is no homework that should be done. few.

Ma Laotou looked back, those scholars in Huai'an Mansion probably worked so hard, but an eight or nine-year-old girl was so serious about studying, Madam Wu might offend the nobleman this time.

With the end of Liu Hefeng's funeral, the mourners left one after another. Even if they wanted to get close to the imperial merchant Liu's family, they couldn't be so hasty, the food was too ugly.

The carriage stopped at the entrance of the alley, Zhang Changsong got out of the carriage even though he was unhappy, "Do you really want to go there?"

"Changsong, we will all have imperial examinations in the future, and we all have to be officials in the court. Even if we can't make friends with Zhan Feiyu, we must not make enemies." Qiu Dingsi patted Zhang Changsong's shoulder reassuringly. A good teacher, a great scholar in the current dynasty, and the most trusted courtier of the Holy One.

If the news of their quarrel with Zhan Feiyu gets out, the examiner will definitely let them lose their names in order to curry favor with Gu Xueshi in the future test. Even if they are lucky enough to make the list, they will probably be sent to a remote place as a small official.

"Changsong, Mr. Qiu is right, and I don't think Miss Zhan is the one who makes trouble." Master Zhang echoed.

Although there was a lot of trouble because of the robbing of the yard before, Master Zhang took care of the general affairs for Zhang Tong. These years, he still has a good eye for seeing people. Benefit without harm.

After knocking on the door for a long time, it was the clerk from the inn who finally heard the sound, "The guests who lived in the small courtyard left last night, and the carriage and salutes are gone."

"Leaving?" Zhang Changsong was surprised, but after thinking about it, he understood that Zhan Feiyu had no friendship with Liu Hefeng. She came to Huai'an Mansion just to take a trip for Qi Heng, so it's normal for her to leave now.

When Zhang Changsong and the others left, the clerk closed the door and took a look at the yard. The little girl who stayed here before was really rich, and she gave 100 taels of silver, but she left before staying for five days, and did not ask the shopkeeper to return the rest. 50 taels.

Three days later, the Huai'an mansion returned to calm, the fat shopkeeper did not find Mr. Sun, but his expression relaxed a little.

"Shopkeeper, Mr. Sun hasn't come back yet?" The clerk trotted over and eagerly poured a cup of tea for the fat shopkeeper. Even though it was September, the sun was still shining at noon.

"My lord Sun is worried that he broke his leg and is recuperating in Liujia Town. My sister also went to take care of her." At first, the fat shopkeeper wondered if someone did this on purpose, but then he thought about who would dare to murder the imperial court official, and Master Sun fell down. The legs are probably just a coincidence.

"Where is the yamen?" The waiter watched the fat shopkeeper put down his cup, and hurriedly poured another cup of tea.

The fat shopkeeper has done his best in the past few days, "I found Mr. Dong again, and the little girl left the next day, and the Xinglong Inn also checked out. The golden girl who broke our things before has a lot of background, I guess I didn’t want to cause trouble, so I left Huai’an Mansion in the middle of the night, Zhao Datou, who was guarding the city gate, watched the two carriages leave, I can finally sleep peacefully.”

He has been in charge of Jin Yu Zhai for many years, and the fat shopkeeper is also shrewd. He not only went to the cell to find the jailer, but also used his distant relationship with Mr. Sun to find Dong Ching. It is more accurate to inquire about the news.

The fat shopkeeper went to find the staff of the Xinglong Inn and the soldiers at the gate of the city. After knowing that Jin Baozhen came from the Jin family of the four major salt merchants, the fat shopkeeper believed that Zhan Feiyu and his party really left overnight. Now he left Huai'an mansion safely.

(End of this chapter)